project watch - Y so tough for Malaysian !

[chrisyen]

I have seen many project watch in Malaysia failed... personally i been trying one in MWF earlier as well....
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,14.0.html

thnx those who supported and put their effort to support it (Yes, i remembered all of u, bigger thanks for friends from singapore and taiwan as well as an American who willing to pay me up front )

i will share some of my past small projects' problems....

project 1
- changing a pvd seiko divers with the dial, hands and rubber strap i like....
http://www.watchbus.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=30431
survey, ordering parts, finding watchmaker, solving hands not so fit problem.... took months

then to relume the non luminous diver bezel....
http://www.watchbus.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=34085
the process of getting the luminous compound together with my friends.... then found the compound is not so fine.... hence it is hard to finish it nicely..... learning the DIY.... its fun but tough.... time consuming....

Project 2
buying eta base movement, eta base movement case....
http://www.watchbus.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=30692
it not that tough, but it is not cheap afterall..... especially if you are looking for a high grade movement n case...
even after u paid, the pvd quality, the crystal.... may not up to our standard...
worst is when the dial is not matching.... modification need for it and for the small second....most watch maker will tell u i wont warranty u this.....

Project 3

then i moved up a gear to make a vintage look watches
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php?topic=965.0

it cost me a damn.... because every modification cost us money.... time consuming....
it may screw upp the whole project if half way through if no one willing to make u a winding stem that fit ur crown...
ordering a new custom made stem from far far away land at high high price no guarantee it really fit in the end...
months after months of getting jus 2-3 watches done really tough....
the shipping cost of every parts is high and let u not getting good sleep

Project 4 & 5
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php?topic=2382.0

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php?topic=4227.0

after the above when i fancy a simple dress watch with good finishing old movement...
i thought it is as simple as i bought a movement from the bay/forum, get the case, dial, hand from those famous maker will fit.... half true.... but half ok.... that already scared u....

so from the above projects, i can sum up the key reasons that most project watches in Malaysia failed through my experience are

1. Malaysia is a country with small population. less ppl less demand
    above failed project 1000m wr divers is a good example....
    to make the project viable.... the cheaper case maker is looking for minimum 100 nos.... i 've got 30++
    if i go for those who willing to make less than 50 nos....
    a. the price is about the 100 nos supplier with no free case design
    b. longer waiting time
   

2. Malaysian income level still low. this limiting the purchase power of most
    price is definitely a big concern.... who can so far i never seen one that can commit for a project watch above rm3k
    so if v cant break through the rm3k, then no way we can go for customization. 
    only possible is labellings on those ready made watches with minimum modification
     
3. Malaysian have no trust on Malaysian
    they r ppl who can afford for rm > mil watches in Msia... but they wont trust malaysia made


4. Malaysia industrial technology is lacking.... worst in high tech, precise cutting....
    we cant even find som1 willing to cut a good buckle for strap.... how about case, dial, hand, crown, winding stem?


5. Watch making is never the industry of Malaysia
    its hard to find even a watchmaker willing to help u to modify a watch part..... not to say find a watch designer!
   

i sincerely wish we will be ready for a project watch soon....
i would like to borrow our member earlier post - lets create the market.... poison more ppl around you to love watches...

[khanwooi]

hi

i totally agree with you and salut you.
this all project is very good and hence you can get a unique master timepiece of yours.

but even thought the idea is there and the project is carry on, most of the problem will be promoting it, i mean is open for public,
no one will take a look unless it really good and u have very good background and something big supporting it.
such as if you able to find some celebrities wearing your watches then you ready to go for it.

i'am personally are into russian watches vostok amphibia, it is a diver watch, look and design is very classic and this watch is come with 2416 movement quiet good an realiable accurate, and guess what there is never exist in malaysia.

so i deal with my friend over russian, and plan to introduce this vostok to malaysian, i started with a very small around in my facebook and then move to creating my own page with only my wife supporting, i seem like a crazy person talking to the wall at the begining, but that is not what u thinking, and from day to day, the number of ppl is increasing and inceasing.

your way doing project i believe it will work, but you must need to have the product first. you will need to come out your own created watches then think for publicity, malaysian is lack of exposes to media. need time.

now my current project is remodifying my vostok amphibia to another new look, where the bezel can be re-design to rolex bezel and seiko diver bezel, change the strap. it will totally have a new look and unique design.
here attached pic i on it with before and after


** 50% complete**

hows the response i will not know until the final product is out then we will see.
but i really like this new look very much.

[am_sober]

Nice post~! 
Lovely compilations~

[rusminag]

Turn our storeroom or garage into watchmaking workshop... Anybody started already??

[TheHobbit]

Turn our storeroom or garage into watchmaking workshop... Anybody started already??

Been there, done that. 

[rusminag]

Turn our storeroom or garage into watchmaking workshop... Anybody started already??

Been there, done that. 

Can make diver swiss movt watch for less than rm3k?

[TheHobbit]

Turn our storeroom or garage into watchmaking workshop... Anybody started already??

Been there, done that. 

Can make diver swiss movt watch for less than rm3k?

Yes why not?

[Godzillaz]

I can feel the passion and even more so the frustration.

I appreciate your effort to promote a project watch.

Even though there have been many failed attempt and not saying the bronze diver won't be one of them.

I am positive and naive. I'm just as passionate as you that's why I go on and post that post.

I just hope we won't be like Edison and takes up thousands of tries before the project watch happen.

Hey, just because things don't work the first few times doesn't mean we should give up.

Regards
Tyler

I have seen many project watch in Malaysia failed... personally i been trying one in MWF earlier as well....
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,14.0.html

thnx those who supported and put their effort to support it (Yes, i remembered all of u, bigger thanks for friends from singapore and taiwan as well as an American who willing to pay me up front )
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,3287.0.html

i will share some of my past small projects' problems....

project 1
- changing a pvd seiko divers with the dial, hands and rubber strap i like....
http://www.watchbus.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=30431
survey, ordering parts, finding watchmaker, solving hands not so fit problem.... took months

then to relume the non luminous diver bezel....
http://www.watchbus.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=34085
the process of getting the luminous compound together with my friends.... then found the compound is not so fine.... hence it is hard to finish it nicely..... learning the DIY.... its fun but tough.... time consuming....

Project 2
buying eta base movement, eta base movement case....
http://www.watchbus.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=30692
it not that tough, but it is not cheap afterall..... especially if you are looking for a high grade movement n case...
even after u paid, the pvd quality, the crystal.... may not up to our standard...
worst is when the dial is not matching.... modification need for it and for the small second....most watch maker will tell u i wont warranty u this.....

Project 3

then i moved up a gear to make a vintage look watches
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php?topic=965.0

it cost me a damn.... because every modification cost us money.... time consuming....
it may screw upp the whole project if half way through if no one willing to make u a winding stem that fit ur crown...
ordering a new custom made stem from far far away land at high high price no guarantee it really fit in the end...
months after months of getting jus 2-3 watches done really tough....
the shipping cost of every parts is high and let u not getting good sleep

Project 4 & 5
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php?topic=2382.0

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php?topic=4227.0

after the above when i fancy a simple dress watch with good finishing old movement...
i thought it is as simple as i bought a movement from the bay/forum, get the case, dial, hand from those famous maker will fit.... half true.... but half ok.... that already scared u....

so from the above projects, i can sum up the key reasons that most project watches in Malaysia failed through my experience are

1. Malaysia is a country with small population. less ppl less demand
    above failed project 1000m wr divers is a good example....
    to make the project viable.... the cheaper case maker is looking for minimum 100 nos.... i 've got 30++
    if i go for those who willing to make less than 50 nos....
    a. the price is about the 100 nos supplier with no free case design
    b. longer waiting time
   

2. Malaysian income level still low. this limiting the purchase power of most
    price is definitely a big concern.... who can so far i never seen one that can commit for a project watch above rm3k
    so if v cant break through the rm3k, then no way we can go for customization. 
    only possible is labellings on those ready made watches with minimum modification
     
3. Malaysian have no trust on Malaysian
    they r ppl who can afford for rm > mil watches in Msia... but they wont trust malaysia made


4. Malaysia industrial technology is lacking.... worst in high tech, precise cutting....
    we cant even find som1 willing to cut a good buckle for strap.... how about case, dial, hand, crown, winding stem?


5. Watch making is never the industry of Malaysia
    its hard to find even a watchmaker willing to help u to modify a watch part..... not to say find a watch designer!
   

i sincerely wish we will be ready for a project watch soon....
i would like to borrow our member earlier post - lets create the market.... poison more ppl around you to love watches...

[hanz079]

@Godzillaz,

You sound passionate enough to start a project watch.
I think the 1st thing is to come up with a minimum number and also the maximum they would cost.
1st step is to hit the minimum number with the members having an idea on the maximum cost.
I think the case is the 1st hurdle... if we can get a manufacturer to do say 50 cases at a reasonable price... then it's realistic.

Movement wise, a standard ETA should be able to keep costs low enough. Even lower? Miyota is viable...
Being a project watch, we're not going for uber expensive movements... just reliable workhorses...

Tackle the issues one at a time and within a month, we will know if we have a viable project on our hands.
Kudos for trying 

[rusminag]

Turn our storeroom or garage into watchmaking workshop... Anybody started already??

Been there, done that. 

Can make diver swiss movt watch for less than rm3k?

Yes why not?

Just wonder why our project watch did not materialize.... not because of too expensive for MWF members to order....

[chrisyen]

Turn our storeroom or garage into watchmaking workshop... Anybody started already??

Been there, done that. 

Can make diver swiss movt watch for less than rm3k?

Yes why not?

Just wonder why our project watch did not materialize.... not because of too expensive for MWF members to order....

V simply don't hv the nos
Mwf dont even get 50 for the polo t shirt

[Angryrodent]

not 50 polos? i ordered 3... like them wasn't expencive, cool design and wanted to support the project. but not 50 ordered? how many was it? When it comes to project watches then its more money so i understand ppl taking a big think before saying 'im in'

[dennis.T]

Maybe now the project watch will succees since the member has increase multiply compare 2 year back

[rusminag]

Anybody wants to build a prototype? Members can sample it during GTG.

[Godzillaz]

That would cost a lot resources. A prototype before getting in the numbers of people is like a death wish.

Wait and see attitude is for observing disaster not for going into an adventure. For that we need faith.

The potential frustration and wrongs turn on a project watch is plenty. If is that easy then it won't take this long and we should bought 3 instead of ending up with none.

I hope I've not offend you in anyway. This are just some of the thoughts and hurdle when starting a project watch.

Regards
Tyler

 

Anybody wants to build a prototype? Members can sample it during GTG.

[rusminag]

That would cost a lot resources. A prototype before getting in the numbers of people is like a death wish.

Wait and see attitude is for observing disaster not for going into an adventure. For that we need faith.

The potential frustration and wrongs turn on a project watch is plenty. If is that easy then it won't take this long and we should bought 3 instead of ending up with none.

I hope I've not offend you in anyway. This are just some of the thoughts and hurdle when starting a project watch.

Regards
Tyler

 

Anybody wants to build a prototype? Members can sample it during GTG.

Yes.. We need somebody with these resources...

[chrisyen]

not 50 polos? i ordered 3... like them wasn't expencive, cool design and wanted to support the project. but not 50 ordered? how many was it? When it comes to project watches then its more money so i understand ppl taking a big think before saying 'im in'

we got 40++ after all....

yeah, another bad culture here.... every1 say yes. but time to pay, 20% gone...

some say i'm in.... but the following statement always have this

if....
provided....
terms and conditions....

project watch is for own fun mostly.... because u want something not in the market.....
so to get a group of ppl who love the same design is tough....

i do wish someday something i love got 100 ppl also love it... then i can materialize it at lower cost.... 

[terrenceterrence]

Mouth say, peXXs feels good 

not 50 polos? i ordered 3... like them wasn't expencive, cool design and wanted to support the project. but not 50 ordered? how many was it? When it comes to project watches then its more money so i understand ppl taking a big think before saying 'im in'

we got 40++ after all....

yeah, another bad culture here.... every1 say yes. but time to pay, 20% gone...

some say i'm in.... but the following statement always have this

if....
provided....
terms and conditions....

project watch is for own fun mostly.... because u want something not in the market.....
so to get a group of ppl who love the same design is tough....

i do wish someday something i love got 100 ppl also love it... then i can materialize it at lower cost....

[khanwooi]

hi guys,

you all mean here is want to build your own Movement ? or built your own design watch casing with equip with the existing watch movement?

phototype design and it specific measurement is very important.
but there is no manufacture will willing to mould 1 casing for you, they at least 50-100 at 1 time, and it will costly.
will need to find china manufacture.

any designer achitect here in this forum hahaha, built network better

[khanwooi]

Mouth say, peXXs feels good = (How kong XXXXXX song)

is it

Mouth say, peXXs feels good 

not 50 polos? i ordered 3... like them wasn't expencive, cool design and wanted to support the project. but not 50 ordered? how many was it? When it comes to project watches then its more money so i understand ppl taking a big think before saying 'im in'

we got 40++ after all....

yeah, another bad culture here.... every1 say yes. but time to pay, 20% gone...

some say i'm in.... but the following statement always have this

if....
provided....
terms and conditions....

project watch is for own fun mostly.... because u want something not in the market.....
so to get a group of ppl who love the same design is tough....

i do wish someday something i love got 100 ppl also love it... then i can materialize it at lower cost....

[chrisyen]

That would cost a lot resources. A prototype before getting in the numbers of people is like a death wish.

Wait and see attitude is for observing disaster not for going into an adventure. For that we need faith.

The potential frustration and wrongs turn on a project watch is plenty. If is that easy then it won't take this long and we should bought 3 instead of ending up with none.

I hope I've not offend you in anyway. This are just some of the thoughts and hurdle when starting a project watch.

Regards
Tyler

 

Anybody wants to build a prototype? Members can sample it during GTG.

Yes.. We need somebody with these resources...

with plastic? cement? fiber? instead of prototyping.... better start with 3d design, then render it

any 1 good at sketch up will do...

i think bronze with miyolta is achievable within rm1.5k, and with eta 2824 is achievable within rm2k, swiss made will be around rm3k - provided we hv 100 ppl willing to pay for it....
i have spoke to a few low cost manufacturer on this before....

[khanwooi]

hi chrisyen

it was cool and fun as what you say,
but money is always the key.

if little money for sure not a problem, but if you talking about 1k to 10K per-person, that is a problem
not to say 1K, sometime want to get 10 buck from a person also a problem.

hahaha, i dont know but i know there is a lot rich ppl here,
it does matter for me.

not 50 polos? i ordered 3... like them wasn't expencive, cool design and wanted to support the project. but not 50 ordered? how many was it? When it comes to project watches then its more money so i understand ppl taking a big think before saying 'im in'

we got 40++ after all....

yeah, another bad culture here.... every1 say yes. but time to pay, 20% gone...

some say i'm in.... but the following statement always have this

if....
provided....
terms and conditions....

project watch is for own fun mostly.... because u want something not in the market.....
so to get a group of ppl who love the same design is tough....

i do wish someday something i love got 100 ppl also love it... then i can materialize it at lower cost....

[chrisyen]

hi guys,

you all mean here is want to build your own Movement ? or built your own design watch casing with equip with the existing watch movement?

phototype design and it specific measurement is very important.
but there is no manufacture will willing to mould 1 casing for you, they at least 50-100 at 1 time, and it will costly.
will need to find china manufacture.

any designer achitect here in this forum hahaha, built network better

we can never build a watch movement here brother.... no one have the knowledge....
we build proton for years.... with Mitsubishi old tech engine
we build perodua with daihatsu model

even to build a watch with china case, swiss/japan movement.... is tough!!!

[rusminag]

That would cost a lot resources. A prototype before getting in the numbers of people is like a death wish.

Wait and see attitude is for observing disaster not for going into an adventure. For that we need faith.

The potential frustration and wrongs turn on a project watch is plenty. If is that easy then it won't take this long and we should bought 3 instead of ending up with none.

I hope I've not offend you in anyway. This are just some of the thoughts and hurdle when starting a project watch.

Regards
Tyler

 

Anybody wants to build a prototype? Members can sample it during GTG.

Yes.. We need somebody with these resources...

with plastic? cement? fiber? instead of prototyping.... better start with 3d design, then render it

any 1 good at sketch up will do...

i think bronze with miyolta is achievable within rm1.5k, and with eta 2824 is achievable within rm2k, swiss made will be around rm3k - provided we hv 100 ppl willing to pay for it....
i have spoke to a few low cost manufacturer on this before....

Chris,

To get commitment from 50-100 people for this project, that would be a challenge.

That is why I suggested that somebody bold enough to build a prototype(with swiss oem movement) in his own watchmaking workshop(aka store/garage), investing his hard earned money, then only the project watch will happen.

If waiting for MWF members to commit(me included), this will only be a pipe dream.....

[Godzillaz]

No, what we really need to make a decision not someone with resources. A prototype is a waste of time if no one really want a project watch in the 1st place.

I understand the need to know, it's human nature. However sometimes we have to be realistic. Who are you going to ask to do the prototype? Who's going to pay for it (yes it does cost money)?

All those work for what? To convince us that we need a project watch?

Well ... ... I don't see the reason to move even 1 step further because a project watch is a passion of wanting a unique watch that represent a community. If someone need convincing maybe then the community isn't that important to the person.

Again I might sound upset which I think I'm slowly heading to that direction.

But deep down I just wish more of us would really want a project watch and willing to go the distance.

Sorry to take it out on you. Really sorry:Praying:

Regards
Tyler

That would cost a lot resources. A prototype before getting in the numbers of people is like a death wish.

Wait and see attitude is for observing disaster not for going into an adventure. For that we need faith.

The potential frustration and wrongs turn on a project watch is plenty. If is that easy then it won't take this long and we should bought 3 instead of ending up with none.

I hope I've not offend you in anyway. This are just some of the thoughts and hurdle when starting a project watch.

Regards
Tyler

 

Anybody wants to build a prototype? Members can sample it during GTG.

Yes.. We need somebody with these resources...